Sticks and Stones and Skeleton Bones

From Publishers Weekly Readers who have chuckled over the antics of Hobie Hanson since his first appearance in Thirteen Ways to Sink a Sub will hail his return. Here, the irrepressible Hobie is feuding with his friend, Nick, who--thanks to Hobie--has a red, swollen nose and a case of wounded pride. When Hobie's project is wrecked in art class and he takes a nasty tumble down an escalator, he believes Nick is to blame. The two decide to settle their differences at recess--but the resolution takes them both by surprise. Mort, the school's resident skeleton; the boys' feisty friend, Molly; two of their fifth-grade classmates trained in mediation; and a disillusioned Santa Claus all figure into Gilson's clever, quick-moving plot. Running gags and puns abound in the book's animated dialogue, which is very entertaining if not entirely believable. Hobie's fans won't mind; in his sixth starring vehicle, their hero is as witty and winning as ever. Ages 8-11. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal Grade 3-5-- Hobie Hanson thinks digging up the gang's time capsule is going to be great fun, but he ends up in a feud with his best friend, Nick. Along the way Santa Claus and a skeleton named Mort get involved in this happily corny story that's sure to please Hobie's fans. Most of the action takes place in a closed-up store in a mall that has served as an elementary school since the real one was destroyed in a flood. While the situation may seem improbable, the action is fast-paced and humorous and the children are typical elementary-age students full of mischief and good intentions. An interesting sidelight is the conflict mediation during which Hobie and Nick resolve their differences. Hobie and his friends will continue to delight readers. --Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VACopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.